Leaving Windows behind means losing Microsoft’s desktop apps and plenty of third-party software. Thankfully not all companies choose to only support Windows.

Google, for example, recognizes that there are other operating systems out there. You could even say it has a soft spot for Linux. Chrome OS and Android are both Linux-based. Many Google developers also use the open source desktop behind the scenes.

If you’ve switched to Linux, much of Google’s software remains available to you. You can still browse the web, explore the planet, listen to music, and video chat with people using your favorite Google services.

1. Google Chrome

Google’s web browser is as easy to install on Linux as it is elsewhere. Head to the Chrome website and hit the download button.

A .deb or .rpm is available, depending on whether you’re an Ubuntu person or have a preference for Fedora or openSUSE. Installing either is akin to running an .exe on Windows. Either file will add the Chrome repository to your package manager so you get future updates.

2. Google Earth

It may be hard to believe, but Google Earth has been around for 15 years! The desktop app lets you spin the world around like a virtual globe. You can zoom in close enough for Street View or zoom out enough to look at the Moon or Mars.

4. Google Hangouts

Hangouts not only works on Linux — you may find yourself using it more than you did on Windows! That’s because while Skype works on Linux, the client is old and outdated. Newer features haven’t made their way over to the open source desktop (though that could be about to change).

You can send instant messages, place audio-only calls, or open up a video chat window. Group conversations and Hangouts On Air both work just fine, as you can see from the videos on Canonical’s Ubuntu OnAir YouTube channel.

5. Google Web Designer

Create apps for the web? You could enjoy a tool designed to make interactive HTML 5-based designs and graphics. Google has one that makes your interface adapt to PCs and mobile devices alike.

Google Web Designer helps you build web experiences without having to know code. Though if you want to get hands-on, you can.

You Don’t Have to Give Up Google

Do you rely on Google services for much of your computing? Fortunately, Google is the kind of company that wants you to use its products, regardless of platform. And it helps that most Google services remain available inside a browser.

Are you glad you can use these Google apps on your Linux desktop? What have you had to give up? Share your thoughts here, and maybe someone will Google them later…

Bertel writes from a Linux-powered laptop and tends to enjoy budget smartphones more than flagships. When he isn't posting short stories for MakeUseOf, you might find him penning the fictional kind. Otherwise, look for him reading pixels that were converted to ink and paper. You can reach him on Google+…